Melissa Conrad

Hi, I’m Mel Conrad. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with over 5 years of experience supporting adults through substance use treatment and recovery. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University, my CADC through College of DuPage, and my Master of Social Work from Aurora University.

I have worked in substance use treatment since 2019 in a variety of roles, including individual counseling, group facilitation, recovery support, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and client education.

My primary areas of focus include substance use and addiction, recovery, relapse prevention, coping skills, life transitions, LGBTQIA+, OCD, depression, anxiety and helping clients develop healthier patterns and strategies for long-term change. My approach is compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental. I believe that meaningful recovery begins with feeling heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes.

My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and work toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to participate actively in their treatment. I meet each person where they are and tailor therapy to their individual needs, strengths, goals, and readiness for change.

I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). CBT helps clients identify connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing healthier patterns. DBT supports emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through MI, I help clients explore their own reasons for change, resolve ambivalence, and build confidence in their ability to move forward.

In a first session, clients can expect a welcoming, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment where we take time to get to know one another and discuss what brings them to therapy. I will listen to their concerns, learn about their history, strengths, current supports, and goals, and answer questions about the counseling process. Together, we will begin identifying priorities and developing an initial plan that feels realistic and meaningful to them. My goal is for clients to leave the first session feeling heard, respected, and more hopeful, with a clearer understanding of the next steps in their treatment. I meet each person where they are and tailor therapy to their individual needs, readiness for change, and desired outcomes.